Brian Harman regrets ‘curt’ post-round interview

Brian Harman says he regrets the frosty post-round interview he gave at the RBC Heritage a fortnight ago, insisting that, on reflection, he probably shouldn’t have done it.  

The reigning Open champion went viral for giving only 46 seconds to reporters after his opening round at Sea Island.  

However, speaking to media via video-link to preview his Claret Jug defence in July, the world No.9 admitted he handled the situation poorly. 

“I don’t care to be that way,” he said. “I don’t like coming off as curt or disrespectful. Everyone has got a job to do. I hate that it came off that way.

“As far as the way I was feeling, it’s just as raw as it gets. I don’t want to come off as ungrateful for what I get to do. I love what I do. It’s the only thing that I could do every day.

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“I’ve always wanted to be a golfer, so I’m grateful for the opportunity. But I do care a lot, and when I do something
that’s not up to par as far as execution on the golf course, like I’m upset about it. I take a lot of pride in what I do, and
I was hot, man.

“I was hot coming off. I had a really good day and ruined it with the last couple holes, and probably should have just not done the interview in hindsight.”

In a wide-ranging chat, Harman also revealed that he’s unsure what kind of reception awaits him from fans at Royal Troon this summer.

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The American was singled-out for some unsavoury treatment by a small but vocal section of the galleries at Royal Liverpool last year as he laid waste to the field – including local favourite Tommy Fleetwood – with a dominant weekend display. 

Asked if he’s anticipating more hostility this year, he admitted he has no idea.

“I’ll be ready for whatever,” he said. “I’ve always really enjoyed playing golf in front of the fans over there because they’re so knowledgeable about the game.

“They understand what a good shot is. They understand what a bad shot is. I like how knowledgeable they are. They get it. They’re a joy to play in front of.”

Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Deputy Editor